'Time Slipping Away as Man-made Humanitarian Crisis Turns Gaza into the Abyss', Senior United Nations Official Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage
Security Council

9725th Meeting (AM)

SC/15821
16 September 2024

Israel Must Cooperate with Humanitarian Efforts, Demands Representative

Underscoring that the only credible measure of progress is the actual condition on the ground in Gaza, the head of United Nations humanitarian efforts in the Strip told the Security Council today that sufficient political will is sorely needed to ensure effective humanitarian operations amid restrictions, security incidents and continued suffering.

"Time is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss," stressed Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, as she offered a "sober and sombre assessment" of the situation in the Strip. While the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is "unconscionable", she nevertheless detailed the completion of the first phase of a two-round polio-vaccination campaign, which shows that — even in the direst of circumstances — "humanitarian action is possible" with sufficient political will.

However, she stated that effective humanitarian operations require the right quality, quantity and range of goods to meet the daily needs of civilians in Gaza — and "that goal is not being met". Calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid at scale throughout the Strip, she emphasized that "the horrors of the past 11 months have made it painfully clear that a political solution is the only sustainable path forward". Without that, the cycle of suffering will continue.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), echoed that, stating that the effective delivery of aid at the scale required will be impossible without political will, security guarantees and an enabling environment. Detailing UNOPS' mechanism for a single, comprehensive supply-chain-management system for humanitarian aid to Gaza, he reported that more than 22,000 metric tons of aid cargo have been delivered to the Strip. Thanking Member States that have contributed financially to UNOPS to support the mechanism, he added: "We cannot overemphasize the challenges of delivering a humanitarian response in Gaza right now."

In the discussion that followed, many Council members echoed that sentiment as they condemned recent events involving humanitarian workers, including the obstruction of a UN team supporting the polio-vaccination campaign at a checkpoint in Gaza and an air strike on a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Nuseirat. Against that backdrop, they underscored the need for the 15-member organ to implement its own resolutions.

"The repeated targeting and intimidation of the United Nations in Gaza is deeply concerning," stressed the representative of Malta, urging the Council to demand and ensure full implementation of its resolutions, adherence to international law and accountability. The organ must not, she added, "reduce itself to simply commenting helplessly on this catastrophe". The representative of Slovenia, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity to concur: "It is time for the Security Council to ensure compliance with its resolutions."

Joining others in underlining the immediate need for a ceasefire to achieve peace in Gaza and the wider region, Mozambique's representative pointed to the recent humanitarian pause allowing for polio vaccinations as an example that peace is possible if the warring parties prove willing to follow the path of mutual accommodation. "As Council members, we shoulder the obligation and responsibility to change the course of events," he stated.

For its part, Israel must cooperate with — rather than oppose — humanitarian efforts, stated the representative of Algeria. "The stark reality is that daily aid deliveries have decreased significantly" since the Council adopted resolution 2720 (2023), he observed, adding that this is not a logistical shortcoming. Rather, it is a manifestation of a deeper political impasse. Calling for the prioritization of early recovery projects, he said that resolution 2720 (2023) requires not only a ceasefire, but also the restoration of stability and reconstruction in Gaza.

It is a "miserable reality", stressed the representative of the Republic of Korea, that the volume of humanitarian assistance remains far below the minimum required to meet the needs of 2.3 million people in Gaza. As skin infections run rampant, it is concerning that even basic hygiene items — such as soap — are being denied entry into the Strip. "Israel must demonstrate to the rest of the world that they are actually doing their best to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gazan people," he emphasized.

Stressing that the UN must "stick to facts", Israel's representative said that 1 million tons of aid have been delivered to Gaza. Also spotlighting the ongoing polio-vaccination campaign, he said that over 500,000 Gazan children have been inoculated thanks to his country's cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). "Despite the slander, the noise, the panic," he said, Israel continues to cooperate with those agencies "who truly care about the welfare of civilians". No meaningful discussions can take place about Gaza's future and reconstruction with Hamas left in control of it, he added.

"The only viable reconstruction plan is one that includes a road map to the two-State solution with the relevant security guarantees," stressed Guyana's representative. Noting that 96 per cent of Gaza's population faces acute food insecurity, she stated that there will be a deal for a ceasefire only when there is sincere concern for the protection of civilians — including those taken hostage on 7 October 2023. "As of now, that concern is largely absent, despite narratives to the contrary," she pointed out.

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

Briefings

SIGRID KAAG, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, offering a "sober and sombre assessment of the situation on the ground", reported that 101 hostages are still held in Gaza, denied humanitarian visits. All hostages, she stressed, must be released immediately and unconditionally and, for as long as they are held, must be treated humanely and allowed to receive visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "The essence of our common humanity is at stake," she underscored. Meanwhile, in Gaza, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 93,000 have been injured. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 22,000 people have sustained "life-altering injuries" — "a sad reflection of the tragedy of this war", she noted — and the health infrastructure, already crippled, has been further decimated. She stressed: "Time is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss."

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid at scale throughout the Strip, she said that the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is "unconscionable". She nevertheless detailed the completion of the first phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign, which shows that — even in the direst of circumstances — "humanitarian action is possible" with sufficient political will and real-time political commitment. However, systems in place today are not a substitute for the political will required to reach civilians and respond to their needs, she said, adding: "Systems do not save lives, nor provide dignity for those who have lost all." Effective humanitarian operations require the right quality, quantity and range of goods to meet the daily needs of civilians in Gaza, and "that goal is not being met", she stressed.

Stating that the Council is "fully aware" of the humanitarian community's requests, she said that the scope of humanitarian items allowed entry remains "too restricted for effective humanitarian operations". Further, recent security incidents — including shootings at humanitarian convoys — demonstrate that agreed protocols and procedures still require comprehensive implementation. Welcoming the recent medical evacuation of 251 patients and family members to the United Arab Emirates — "the largest so far" — she nevertheless said that "much more is needed". Over 14,000 patients still require specialized treatment outside Gaza, and she urged Member States to host these individuals and their families. "Progress on the above becomes even more important as winter nears, and the humanitarian catastrophe deepens," she added.

She went on to stress that the recovery and reconstruction of the Strip "should not wait", and that the Palestinian Authority must resume its full responsibilities in Gaza. Further, rebuilding Gaza offers the opportunity to involve all members of Palestinian civil society, and fostering an environment that enables the Palestinian business community to play its role is equally important. "The only credible measures of change and progress are the actual conditions on the ground in Gaza," she stressed, emphasizing that "the horrors of the past 11 months have made it painfully clear that a political solution is the only sustainable path forward". Without that, the cycle of suffering will continue.

JORGE MOREIRA DA SILVA, Executive Director, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), recalling his January visit to Gaza, noted its "truly challenging environment" for humanitarian aid delivery. In December 2023, his office delivered a design of the mechanism that is meant to deliver a single comprehensive humanitarian aid supply change management system for Gaza, he said. The mechanism had to address the unpredictability of pipelines, delays and multiple inspections while also building confidence and transparency in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Since May, the mechanism has been running the integrated database covering humanitarian consignments going through Cyprus, and since June those along the Jordan corridor. It has also captured consignments being sent from the West Bank and from inside Israel. "The database moves away from counting trucks and provides the capacity to look at actual supplies entering Gaza compared to the identified needs," he added.

Since its activation, he said, 229 humanitarian aid consignments have requested clearance through the mechanism, of which 175 consignments have been approved, 101 have been delivered, 17 are pending clearance and 37 have been rejected. This translates into more than 22,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid cargo delivered to Gaza, he said, adding that "these figures are also publicly available on the mechanism's live dashboard which was launched earlier last week". The consignments were primarily delivered through the Jordan corridor, which was formalized under the mechanism, while a smaller portion of consignments were delivered through the Cyprus corridor. Noting that 14 international monitors have been deployed to those countries to verify the humanitarian nature of each consignment and track it from the point of origin to delivery, he echoed the call for more items and consigners to be allowed to enter Gaza. "Eleven of our international monitors are also ready to deploy inside Gaza in order to reinforce this important verification and tracking mechanism," he said.

Over the past 11 months, he noted, the Egyptian route has served as a vital lifeline for delivering aid to the people of Gaza and UNOPS is working with that country's authorities to fully integrate this route. The Office is also procuring 280 trucks for the Jordan corridor, and is procuring 38 trucks for use by the humanitarian community inside Gaza, he said. Thanking Member States who have contributed financially to UNOPS in support of the mechanism, he added: "We cannot overemphasize the challenges of delivering humanitarian response in Gaza right now." The effective delivery of aid at the scale required will simply not be possible without political will, security guarantees and an enabling environment, he emphasized, also noting "the critical and irreplaceable role that UNRWA [the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] plays in Gaza, as the key implementer of our collective will."

Statements

The representative of Switzerland said that hostilities in Gaza continue to cause civilian casualties, and that Israeli evacuation orders are adding further pressure on an already desperate population, many of whom are children. In addition, more than 100 hostages remain in captivity, she continued, reiterating calls for their immediate and unconditional release. Switzerland condemns all violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties. She further condemned the incident at a checkpoint on 9 September affecting a UN team working on the vaccination campaign in Gaza. As the occupying Power, Israel, has an obligation to provide for the basic needs of the population under its control. The deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The civilian population, infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, must not be the object of attack. The deadly consequences of Israeli military operations in areas where civilians have taken refuge are "intolerable". She welcomed implementation of the polio vaccination campaign, which shows what the United Nations and its humanitarian partners can achieve if the parties to the conflict respect their obligations to guarantee safe and unhindered access to the civilian population.

The representative of Russian Federation called the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave horrific and said that the reason for this is the ongoing Israeli military operation, which Israel has been carrying out without any regard for international humanitarian law or resolutions and decisions of the Security Council. "Such arrogance emanates from the unconditional support for any of its actions by the United States, which has for nearly a year now been blocking any hint of a substantive reaction," he said. In the past week, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 civilians. There can be no justification for this. "Western parties" play mute when there's a need to provide a frank assessment about what is transpiring with the Palestinians. "For if we were talking about any other State, they would vociferously condemn such attacks," he said. If this situation continues, then these developments may result in the cessation of United Nations operations in Gaza, and in this case, more than 2 million Palestinians will face death. "This is a real prospect, and we cannot allow this to happen," he warned. In addition to polio, at any point there can be an outbreak of other communicable diseases in Gaza as "regular vaccines have virtually been depleted". Humanitarian workers are powerless and defenceless in the face of Israeli strikes, he added.

The representative of France, demanding full and immediate implementation of resolutions 2712 (2023), 2720 (2023), 2728 (2024) and 2735 (2024), underscored that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, guarantee protection for humanitarian workers and establish and implement deconfliction mechanisms - "which the smooth operation of the polio-vaccination campaign shows is possible". Further, he stressed that goods entering Gaza must "correspond to the reality of the needs" there, noting "far too many restrictions" in place. Humanitarian actors must be able to access the equipment that allows them to operate on the ground, a horizon must be restored for Gazans and an immediate, lasting ceasefire is "indispensable", he stressed. He also said that conditions for early recovery projects to restore basic services must be established in conjunction with regional countries. He added that neither a strictly humanitarian response, nor one based purely on security, will suffice.

The representative of Sierra Leone highlighted the shortages of medical supplies in the Gaza Strip due to persistent obstacles to the entry of aid vehicles through the Kerem Shalom crossing and condemned the attack on the UNRWA school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat, that killed six Agency personnel. Full operationalization of Security Council resolution 2720 (2023) would require achieving an immediate ceasefire, and restoration of law and order "in a society now characterized, at the minimum, as a war crime scene", he said. Calling for an effective deconfliction mechanism and welcoming the timely delivery of polio vaccine, he said only an end to the current conflict will allow for the arduous but vital task of rebuilding Gaza and "make it habitable, a home to its people". Further, "the issue of humanitarian aid coordination and reconstruction must now be gleaned through the lens of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice", he stressed.

The representative of Japan said that Gaza's agony continues as Israeli attacks in densely populated areas continue unabated. "The recent air strike on a school in Nuseirat killed six UNRWA staff members," he added, deploring the casualties of aid workers, who are tirelessly working to deliver the necessary relief supplies to the people of Gaza. This is totally unacceptable, and actions need to be taken to make real changes on the ground. A ceasefire in the Strip is the only path towards peace, security and stability in the region. He then extended his country's strong support to the diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt that would lead to an immediate ceasefire, the release of the remaining hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale in Gaza.

The representative of Malta, noting that the situation on the ground remains "beyond desperate", observed that military tactics are still being used to deny essential services to the Gazan population despite endless appeals from the international community. She also spotlighted recent attacks on humanitarian workers, pointing out that around 200 UN and humanitarian staff in Gaza have been killed in 2024 alone and stating: "The repeated targeting and intimidation of the United Nations in Gaza is deeply concerning." The Council must therefore demand and ensure full implementation of its resolutions, adherence to international law and accountability, she urged — "not reduce itself to simply commenting helplessly on this catastrophe". Further, she stressed that "humanitarian assistance must never be up for negotiation", and that States providing military support must ensure that their armaments are used in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.

The representative of Algeria said the recent killing of six UNRWA staff members represents a "perilous erosion of international law". He also drew attention to UN data, according to which only 62 trucks entered Gaza daily during the first 10 days of September 2024, compared to 97 trucks in December 2023, and said: "The stark reality is that daily aid deliveries have decreased significantly since [Security Council resolution 2720 (2023)'s] adoption." This is not a logistical shortcoming but a manifestation of a deeper political impasse. Calling on the occupying Power to cooperate rather than oppose humanitarian efforts, he asked why 11 UNOPS staff members have not been allowed to enter Gaza. Highlighting the indispensable role of UNRWA, he called for prioritization of early recovery projects and stressed that Council resolution 2720 (2023) requires not only a ceasefire, but also the restoration of stability and reconstruction in Gaza.

The representative of Mozambique said that the situation in Gaza continues to demand "our profound reflection and action, as this is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time". The conflict poses a permanent risk to any reconstruction effort. Residences, schools, hospitals, health wards and other places of refuge are a target of war and destruction. "As Council members, we shoulder the obligation and responsibility to change the course of events," he stressed. A cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire are urgent imperatives for peace in Gaza and the wider region. The recent humanitarian pause that has allowed polio vaccinations for children constitutes a good indication that ceasefire and peace are possible if the warring parties are willing to follow the path of mutual accommodation, he said.

The representative of the United States said that her country will continue to raise the need for Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations and protect humanitarian workers and facilities — such as the UNRWA school in Nuseirat recently targeted by the Israel Defense Forces. Washington, D.C., is also communicating to Israel that there is no basis — "absolutely none", she repeated — for opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles. Stating that the Israeli military "knows well how to ensure that incidents such as these do not happen", she said that the United States therefore expects the Israel Defense Forces' leadership to implement "fundamental" changes — including changes to rules of engagement and "steps to fix the obvious shortcomings in how deconfliction procedures are implemented". She added that Hamas is using civilian sites to conduct operations and pose an ongoing threat, calling on all sides to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

The representative of Guyana, condemning the recent attack on the An Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al Balah, pointed out that this war has become "the deadliest for the United Nations" with 224 of its personnel senselessly killed. Noting that 96 per cent of Gaza's population is facing acute food insecurity, she added that there will be a deal for a ceasefire only when there is sincere concern for the protection of civilians, including those taken hostage on 7 October 2023. "As of now, that concern is largely absent, despite narratives to the contrary," she pointed out. The destruction of Gaza is not because of a natural hazard, she said, highlighting Israel's consistent spate of military operations against the Gaza Strip prior to 7 October 2023. The pattern of financing and refinancing reconstruction in Gaza is unsustainable, she stressed, adding that "the only viable reconstruction plan is one that includes a road map to the two-State solution with the relevant security guarantees".

The representative of the United Kingdom condemned the Houthi attack over the weekend and reiterated her country's demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for Hamas to release all hostages. "We welcome the news that the first round of the UN's polio vaccine campaign in Gaza has now concluded, facilitated by Israel's implementation of agreed tactical pauses," she said. Despite the challenges — including the attack on a United Nations vaccination convoy last week — this shows that deconfliction can work where there is political will. Israel has committed to flood Gaza with aid, but this has not materialized. Mass Israeli evacuation notices and the use of heavy weaponry mean that nowhere is safe. The United Kingdom calls on both Israel and Hamas to take the deal on the table. There will be an enormous task in helping those in Gaza rebuild. Early recovery will include clearing unexploded ordinance and rubble and providing essential services, she said.

The representative of the Republic of Korea stressed that it is "unacceptable" that a UN convoy delivering polio vaccines, already approved by the Israel Defense Forces, was held at gunpoint for more than seven hours at a checkpoint in Gaza on 9 September. Calling on all parties to the conflict — "especially Israel" — to prevent similar incidents, he underscored that deconfliction and notification mechanisms must be respected. Further, it is a "miserable reality", he said, that the volume of humanitarian assistance into Gaza remains far below the minimum required to meet the needs of 2.3 million people, most of whom cannot afford commercial goods. As skin infections run rampant, it is concerning that even basic hygiene items — such as soap — are being denied entry into the Gaza Strip. "Israel must demonstrate to the rest of the world that they are actually doing their best to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gazan people," he stressed.

The representative of China, noting that, last week, the UN convoy supporting the polio vaccination campaign approved by Israel was detained for nearly eight hours during which shots were fired, said that in the same week, six UNRWA employees were killed in an air strike. Describing the Agency as "a pillar of strength", he commended it for not abandoning Gaza and called on Israel to investigate all attacks on humanitarian workers. That country must put humanity first, lift the blockade, open all crossings and scrap restrictions on humanitarian deliveries, he said. Pointing to 41,000 deaths among Palestinian civilians since the start of the war, he said "this is past belief". Had the United States not stood in the way, the Council could have adopted a resolution demanding a ceasefire early on, he said, calling on that country to use its significant influence to prevail upon Israel to cease its military operations and "give the long-suffering Palestinian people a chance to live".

The representative of Ecuador said that political will is needed to allow for the delivery of aid in the quantity needed to alleviate the appalling situation of the civilian population in Gaza. Despite United Nations efforts, it has still not been possible for humanitarian aid to be provided and distributed at the necessary scale and without any obstacles in order to guarantee access in Gaza to food, water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and medical services. Ecuador calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the delivery of sufficient aid to Gaza, as well as the guaranteed safety of humanitarian personnel. Until that happens, all parties must commit to allowing supplies to be delivered to civilians in need while also guaranteeing the safety of humanitarian workers.

The representative of Slovenia, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity to observe that today's briefing and the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground confirm that both political will and respect for international law "have been in very short supply during the whole duration of this sad conflict". Nothing can replace the absence of Israel's political will to ease — or help ease — the suffering of civilians in Gaza and, despite the Council's political will to alleviate that suffering through resolution 2720 (2023), the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale has not been achieved. "It is time for the Security Council to ensure compliance with its resolutions," he urged, detailing a "cascading" approach forward — exert pressure to ensure a ceasefire that holds, rebuild life in Gaza, immediately begin a time-bound political process and implementation of the two-State solution, and finally, reconstruct the Strip.

The representative of Israel, expressing concern that "there is hardly a mention of the hostages" in the statements delivered in the Council, added that the six executed hostages were kept in a tunnel whose "entrance was hidden beneath a child's bedroom". "We all must ask ourselves how much [aid] is stolen by the Hamas terror machine and never reaches the Palestinians," he said, adding that his country's humanitarian efforts during the war are "unparalleled for a country which underwent its most tragic day and has since been forced to go to war". Stressing that the United Nations must "stick to facts", he said 1 million tons of aid have been delivered, and 800,000 tons of food have passed into Gaza. Also highlighting the polio vaccination campaign that is under way, he said over half a million Gazan children have been vaccinated, thanks to his country's cooperation with WHO and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"Despite the slander, the noise, the panic," he said, Israel continues to cooperate with those agencies "who truly care about the welfare of civilians". But, it will not work with those who only care to harm his country, he stressed, adding that "UNRWA Gaza has become nothing more than a cartel, fostering hatred and prolonging misery in Gaza". Israel has documented proof of UNRWA staff involvement in the Hamas-led atrocities of 7 October 2023, he said, adding that it provided more than 100 names to the Agency's Commissioner. "This list is part of an ongoing process and does not yet reveal the full extent of the infiltration of UNWRA Gaza," he said. No meaningful discussions can take place about Gaza's future and reconstruction, with Hamas left in control of it, he said. Israel's goal is to defeat Hamas, secure the return of hostages and "allow Gazans to take control of their own future", he added.